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Andy, TR’s injury does add some speculation as to IU’s short term offensive future but he does not play D nor ST’s so from my observation we learned and know at least 60-70% of what this team is about heading into the 3rd game. I lean to the notion what CC gives up in wheels he gains with passer mentality and arm. I give both he and Tre near equal leverage in on the field playing experience. Also another thought, the highering of Littrell is now much bigger as he had the cell # of CC before arriving on staff in Bloomington.

I think the big difference for IU’s offense moving forward, and it is significant, is that IU’s offense is not going to be utilizing plays designed for the quarterback to run. Not because Coffman can’t run (I remember Wilson saying that Coffman, while not as good as Tre in running the ball, had good wheels), but because IU can’t take the risk of losing another QB to season ending injury. That adjustment will make it a bit easier to defend against IU.

Having said that, I think it’s important to realize that IU’s realistic opportunity this year was to win, at best, five games. We now can enjoy the ongoing speculation, through the end of the season and beyond, “what might have been” had Tre not broken his leg. But with Tre or without Tre, I still believe IU’s absolute best record this year was going to be, or is, five wins. And that would be (will be) HUGE for IU’s football program. Even a four win season is a major step forward, especially with so many young players coming back next year with a lot more maturity (both physical and mental) and game experience.

While there is evidence that IU’s defense has improved significantly (really, there was no other direction they could go but up), it is still not a quality Big Ten defense. IU is still a bit small, a step slow, and lacking Big Ten quality defensive backs. Yes, they tackle better and are not making the huge mistakes of last year, but IU was still going to need to outscore the majority of their Big Ten opponents this year.

IU is an improved football team. I still believe they can win four games, and maybe five. Tre’s injury is a huge loss, but ultimately it is not going to be the difference between IU going to a Bowl game and IU having another losing season. Of course, I could be and hope I am wrong.